Arrival in Saigon

Arrival in Hanoi. – Welcome to Vietnam!

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.

Vietnam is rapidly developing but holds onto the charming traditions and culture which make it such a fascinating holiday destination. History has left its mark on Vietnam by way of Chinese, French and American influence.

Overnight in Saigon
Meal(s): Breakfast

Saigon

Ever-vibrant, ever-changing – this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There’s classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975. We’ll head out to Cholon, the historic Chinatown district to discover colonial-era gems, Chinese temples and vivacious street life. Make sure you save some energy for browsing the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market. We’ll also get to try a cup of Vietnamese coffee – strong and flavorful, and often made with yoghurt or eggs!

Today’s Highlights: Rue Catinat, Reunification Palace, Emperor of Jade Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, Cholon.

Overnight in Saigon
Meal(s): Breakfast

Saigon

Mekong Delta

At 08:00 AM: Being picked up for Mekong Delta. On the journey we will travel by motor-boat to experience how locals make their living along the river bank like processing coconut and making coconut charcoal. Disembark and start cycling on the island roads to a farm that grows Suong Sam – a native plant in South East Asia which used mostly in local refreshments. Pick the leaves and learn how to make Suong Sam, a dessert jelly. Enjoy a typical Mekong delta lunch served at a villager’s house. The excursion also includes a chance to visit a family where traditional coconut brooms are still made before a sampan ride through a canal lined with water coconut palms to the main Mekong River. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Saigon
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Saigon – Hue

Pick up and transfer to airport.

Arrival in Hue and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (15 km) to your hotel.

Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.

Start your day by visiting the Royal Imperial City. Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.

Overnight in Hue
Meal(s): Breakfast

Hue – Hoi An

Mekong Delta
In the morning, visit Thien Mu Pagoda which will enchant with its beauty, elegant architecture and evocative past.

Twisting winding curves, sudden bends, views that take your breath away – welcome to the Hai Van Pass. We get to drive along this incredible mountain pass on the way to Danang.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meal(s): Breakfast

Hoi An

In the morning, take a city tour of Hoi An town. Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient town a photographers’ paradise. We’ll walk through the narrow winding streets of the old quarter past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and colourful fishing boats. The most iconic sights are the Japanese Covered Bridge, Sa Huynh Museum, the Tran Family Chapel, and Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall. There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old.

In the afternoon, free at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Hoi An – Hanoi

Pick up and transfer to airport for flight to Hanoi.
Arrival in Hanoi and transfer to hotel.
In the afternoon, half day visit Hanoi.

There’s no arguing – Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we’re not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West.

Head on to Hoan Kiem Lake to visit the historical Ngoc Son Temple, built on a lush green islet. Ngoc Son Temple is reached via the red painted wooden The Huc (Rising Sun) Bridge, constructed in 1885. From here you can see the tiny Tortoise Pagoda at the lake’s center. We’ll stop to sample Vietnamese coffee and visit an ancient house.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meal(s): Breakfast

Hanoi – Halong – Cruise

Today we will drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay (180 km) and stop en-route for stretching our legs and using the restroom at a souvenir shop for charity.

Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port (10 km).

Surrounded by hundreds of limestone karst mountains rising dramatically from the emerald green water, Halong Bay is listed as one of the must-see places in Vietnam. Arrive at the harbor at noon and check in to your cruise boat. Lunch will be served while cruising through the bay. Afternoon activities may include cave visits, floating villages, beach relaxation or sunbathing on the sundeck depending on the cruise program. Dinner will be served on board while the boat anchors in a quiet area of the bay.

Overnight on board
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

● No ICS guide on board with guests. On-board English speaking guide is arranged by the cruise.

Cruise – Halong – Hanoi

Wake up and enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay. Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Breakfast (or brunch) will be served while cruising back to the port passing majestic limestone peaks. Disembark from the cruise.

Note: The program can change due to weather conditions, tides, and local authorization.

Transfer by vehicle from Halong to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meal(s): Breakfast

Hanoi – Departure

Free at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast

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